SJC Fire Department History

The first volunteer fire departments in San Juan County were established in 1962. The volunteer fire departments, along with the County Fire Marshal, were consolidated in 2001 to create the San Juan County Fire Department. The Fire Department now has a Fire Chief, a Deputy Fire Chief, a Fire Marshal, and 4 Captains.

San Juan County Fire Department now has 14 volunteer fire districts operating out of 22 stations with approximately 330 volunteers. They provide First Response Fire/Medical Services in conjunction with Paramedic Ambulances, first response hazardous materials, fire suppression, wild-land firefighting and rescue services including water, high angle, search and rescue and vehicle extrication.

The San Juan County Fire Department covers over 5,500 square miles and responds to over 5000 calls a year.

Volunteers devote many hours to their communities and save millions of dollars in salaries, labor costs and taxes. The services they provide are beyond value to their communities.

The Quarter Percent Fire Excise Tax money is used to operate the San Juan County Fire Department and the Ambulance Service. We are very fortunate to have the citizens of San Juan County support the volunteer efforts with their passing of the Quarter Percent Fire Excise tax when asked to do so.